Clinical Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren (150mg & 300mg) Administered Alone and in Combo With Valsartan (160mg and 320mg) in Patients With High Blood Pressure

An 8-week Multi-center, Dose Escalation Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Aliskiren (150 mg and 300 mg) Administered Alone and in Combination With Valsartan (160 mg and 320 mg) in Patients With Hypertension

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aliskiren alone and in combination with valsartan given to patients with essential hypertension

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients with essential hypertension
• Patients who are eligible and able to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Severe hypertension
• History or evidence of a secondary form of hypertension
• History of Hypertensive encephalopathy or cerebrovascular accident

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.